Overview & Reviews

Toyota offers a four-cylinder version of the Highlander for 2009, but only on the base two-wheel-drive version of this popular crossover.

• Powerful yet fuel-efficient V6, easy to maneuver for its size, user-friendly cabin design with reconfigurable second-row seats and a fully usable third row.

• Third-row seat folds as a single unit rather than in 50/50 sections.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 67.00

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  First Impressions - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By George - August 20 - 4:00 am

  Pros: Very sharp looking SUV. Nice lines. Paint and trim seem to be above par. Quiet when driving and it has a great sound system with the JBL 6 Disc. Very smooth shifting vehicle with plenty of power from the V6. Cons: Front seats are not designed for men. Im 61" tall and find it hard to get into a comfortable driving position. Seats are also way too hard and do not offer enough leg support. The Sport model rides rough on uneven surfaces. However, it is very smooth on even highway roads. Currently experiencing an odd shutter at light throttle use. This is a random event and may go away with time once the computer learns our driving habits. Overall: Nice vehicle for my wife.

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  after 1 year, just ok - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By gene - August 16 - 11:00 am

  mileage as expected. front pass seat needs same controls as driver. seat heat control very cumbersome. Auto climate control generally not comfortable when sunshine, better at night. headliner rattles (!!). Biggest concern that I dont believe the Dealer has dealt properly with is our engine has what sounds like dry piston "clatter" prior to it warming up (Summer and Winter). I have NEVER owned a vehicle with such a sound no matter how cold the engine, yet I have had the dealer check it twice but I am guessing they never took it off the lot. We have been Toyota owners for 24 years. This is the first one we have been dissapointed with.

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  Nice but could be better! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Tom - August 9 - 6:50 pm

  An accident forced me to trade in my 2006 Highlander Limited for a 2009 Highlander Limited. I love the new, larger chassis (I really needed the extra headroom and legroom). At 5000 mi, my mileage is still a dismal 21 mpg for commuting to work. The car feels great with a comfortable drivers seat and smooth, well controlled, powerful performance. The drivers side rear view mirror is strangely distorted just enough to be annoying. The center rear view mirror is too small and mounted too low. It obstructs forward vision. The back seats are a disappointment. I bought the cargo net and the upper attachments are incorrectly designed for proper installation. Nice but could be better!

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  Nice and comfortable SUV - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By HighInSeattle - July 19 - 10:43 am

  I purchased the 4cyl model instead of V6 since all V6 models in Seattle area come with AWD. I didnt want to pay extra for AWD and the fuel economy of 4cyl is better than V6. I was a bit apprehensive that the 4cyl may lack the punch, but I was so wrong. The 4cyl engine packs a lot of punch and is very smooth - except when accelerating or going uphill when it does growl a bit. I get 22 MPG in normal city driving and there are a lot of hills in my neighborhood. The interior is very comfortable and has ample space for 4 persons. This SUV drives and handles pretty well and feels very safe and solid. Reliability is 5 for now - I will provide an update after 6 months.

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  Overall Love it! - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By ltucker - April 27 - 1:53 am

  This car is great if you are looking for minimal cargo capacity and good gas mileage. Great to get around town, but not off road. It is easy to handle, but is not suited to carry more than 4 people comfortably and have ample storage. If you plan on driving this in snow, this is not the car for you. The 2wd is useless. My wheels spun. So if you get snow on a regular basis, I would recommend the 4wd.

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  Consider - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Jacob - May 17 - 4:13 am

  Considered Acura MDX and Lexus RX, Toyota highlander was a wise choice. Bit boring inside and out but still is a modern design. Love the ride quality but hate a single headlight config. that functions as day-time-running light, low-beam, and high-beam. Toyota should really consider replacing it with HID system. After all, it cost over 30k and almost 40k for fully load AWD sport model. Nav screen is not clear/vivid, perhaps due to touch screen? Did I mention the ride is awesome? I suggest ordering black leather/cloth interior since other color look cheap. Go test drive MDX and RX. If you need a roomier car, highlander should be your pick. If you care more for styling, then others.

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  Mostly as expected but not everything - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By pma022 - December 4 - 5:23 pm

  Own this SUV for nearly 2 years. Reliability is good. No issue so far. But there are quite a few rattling noises from dash,2nd and 3rd row seats. Its definitely not as serious as mechanical or electrical problem but sometimes is quite annoying. Dealer said its from under seats and cannot fix due to safety issue. Another problem is the very weird tire size. Theyre top expensive. Change a set will charge $955 at Costco and $1000 at America Tire. Basically its a comfortable and fast car but Toyota can make it better.

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  Great ride, but noisy engine poor MPG - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By Rick - October 15 - 9:20 am

  Rides like a sedan and accelerates quickly but the engine screams trying. Fit and finish is good as well as good legroom/headroom for a 64" guy. I expected better mileage than 22 MPG since my previous Sequoia, with a V8, got 20.5 MPG. The sticker stated 24 MPG on the highway and it doesnt come close.

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  2009 Toyota Highlander Limited AWD 3.5L - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By DB - April 17 - 9:00 pm

  I was torn between this and the Honda Pilot. The Toyota won out even though it was $3,000 more. The comfort and the ride were just better. It is a very fun vehicle to drive. The fit and finish were what I would expect from Toyota. I do wish the Bluetooth was a little easier to use. I am also unsure about the electronic key. Its nice but I Kayak and worry about getting it wet. I would buy this vehicle again though.

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  Goodbye Trailblazer - 2009 Toyota Highlander
  By South dakota - March 18 - 11:53 pm

  Tried a GM product after owning imports...big mistake. $2000 in repairs in 1 2/2 years. We needed 7 passenger ability, 5000 lb towing and I think Highlander is the only front wheel dr SUV to offer that combo? Great highway MPG-24-26. Great build quality. Solid, smooth to drive. Easy readable controls.V6 has plenty of power. We purchased the Base model.